My Masked Billionaire Lover

In the stillness of the night, the sudden buzz of my phone on the bathroom counter broke the long silence.

I leaned in to check the screen and saw a text.

"I'll be there in three minutes. Be prepared."

Putting the phone away, I raised my head and cleared the mist from the dressing mirror.

The hot shower had left my cheeks flushed, but my heart felt icy and numb inside.

Who would have thought that a married woman like me would find herself waiting for a stranger in a hotel?

I hated it all.

I hated betraying my husband, Ellis Hunter, and I hated that I couldn't protect my family's legacy.

But if that mystery guy could truly help me reclaim what is rightfully mine, I would be willing to sleep with him.

As the door creaked, I grabbed the eye mask, covering my eyes tightly.

"Click."

The door clicked shut. The slow, deliberate footsteps outside paused briefly before heading straight for the bathroom.

As the footsteps drew nearer, my nerves kicked in, causing my body to tremble. I wondered why this man wanted me to blindfold myself.

Was it because he was some old, ugly dude? Or could he be someone familiar?

The uncertainty and curiosity twisted my thoughts and tugged at my heartstrings.

But despite the whirlwind of emotions, I tried to focus on the promises he had made.

I stood firm at the sink, bracing myself.

"Hmm."

A light chuckle cut through the tense air, signaling his entry into the room. Instinctively, I attempted to retreat but stumbled on a nearby towel.

"Ah!"

Before I could hit the ground, his arm quickly wrapped around my waist, holding me up.

In that split second, as my fingers gripped his shirt, I realized his physique felt surprisingly strong and youthful. Maybe he wasn't as old as I had presumed.

"You might want to wait for me in bed next time."

His voice was filled with a hint of minty freshness, causing a shiver to run down my spine.

"Are you feeling cold?" His warm voice whispered in my ear.

I bit my lip and shook my head.

The cool air enveloped my skin as he took off all my clothes.

But it wasn't a chill I felt. It was a wave of heat spreading through me, fueled by his intense gaze and teasing touch, like fiery embers igniting my senses.

It was a passionate and pleasant night.

The next morning, I drifted off into a hazy state and realized I was here alone.

It was the beep of my phone that snapped me back to reality.

Removing the blindfold, I spotted my phone resting on the pillow.

I lit up the screen to find an unread text: "The check is on the dressing table."

Pushing aside the stiffness in my body, I got up from the bed and made my way to the vanity.

There, lying on the surface, was a signed blank check.

As I held the check in my trembling hands, tears flowed freely down my cheeks.

Ellis probably never anticipated that someone would be willing to pay for what he had discarded.

If my parents were still alive, the thought of selling myself would have enraged them.

But if they were here, would Ellis have dared to treat me with such cruelty in the first place?

Lost in my thoughts, my phone chimed, drawing my attention as a familiar name flashed on the screen.

Wiping away my tears, I took the call and Ellis' voice filled the line.

"Marina Bonnet, remember the charity auction is in two hours. Sign the divorce papers, and I might let you keep the emerald earrings your mother loved the most. Otherwise, you know what will happen," he threatened.

"Or what? Are you going to take it to the auction?" I retorted coldly. "Ellis, I won't sign those papers. Not today, not ever. Laney will only remain a shameful mistress as long as I'm alive!"

Furious, I ended the call, my body quivering with anger.

The image of Ellis and Laney sleeping together when I caught them in bed flooded my mind, fueling my desire for revenge.

I want to get back at them.

Hatred consumed me, but slowly, my emotions began to settle.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, a wicked grin spread across my face.

Whether it meant sacrificing my body or soul, even if it put my life at risk, I was resolute in making Ellis and Laney pay for the betrayal and pain they had caused.

I dressed up and took a cab to the villa for the charity dinner.

Memories flooded back as I sat in the car.

My parents passed away in a car accident four years ago. After that tragedy, Ellis, my childhood sweetheart, stayed by my side and helped me navigate the difficult times.

Our connection grew stronger, leading me to say yes to his proposal six months later.

Following our marriage, Ellis decided to leave his perfect job overseas and join my late father's real estate business as the general manager. Meanwhile, I happily embraced the role of a full-time housewife.

I was such a fool to believe I was living in the dream. My world shattered half a month ago when I returned early from a trip abroad and caught my cousins Laney Grant and Ellis in my house having sex.

It was then that I realized their affair had been ongoing long before, with Ellis pursuing me solely for control of my family's business.

The shocking truth emerged that Ellis had manipulated his way into complete authority, leaving me in a helpless position with no power or recognition.

Later, Laney even openly flaunted her relationship with Ellis in front of me many times.

All that I once possessed was ruthlessly taken from me by Ellis. Consumed by hatred, I felt utterly powerless against him.

As I spiraled into despair, a glimmer of hope emerged one evening when I received an unexpected text from an unknown number. The mysterious sender offered to help me regain my lost assets in exchange for sex.

Initially dismissing it as a prank, my curiosity was piqued when the stranger shared confidential documents exposing Ellis's secrets within the company.

Despite my reservations about selling my body, Ellis's relentless pursuit of divorce and threats to auction off my mother's possessions left me with no choice but to reluctantly accept the stranger's deal.

"Ma'am, we've arrived at your destination," the driver's voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to reality.

"Thank you," I responded.

I paid the driver before stepping out of the car, clutching my handbag tightly.

As I approached the reception desk at the opulent villa owned by local magnate Josh Miller, I was surprised to come face to face with someone I had hoped to avoid.

Stunningly in a yellow dress, Laney elegantly accompanied Ellis at the entrance. Ellis seemed dapper in a sleek dark silver suit. He radiated charm as he stood tall beside Laney, creating a striking couple.

The sight of them stirred a tumultuous mix of sorrow and anger within me. However, I reined in my emotions, deflecting my gaze downwards.

"Oh, look who it is. It's Marina," Laney's voice cut through the air. "Why are you sneaking into this event with no money to your name? Are you planning to stir troubles?"

Raising my eyes, I saw her and Ellis walking towards me, their hands clasped. Laney wore a smug grin, her eyes alight with malice.

Ellis wore a conflicted expression as he approached me. Standing in front of me, he leaned in and whispered, "Marina, if you agree to a divorce, I'll return your parents' belongings and provide you with financial support to live comfortably."

His almost apologetic tone struck me as ironic, and a spontaneous chuckle escaped me despite the tense atmosphere.

"You think offering me money can erase the fact that everything you have was stolen from my family? Don't think that you can buy your freedom with my money!"

"Don't play the moral high ground. If you pass up this chance now, there'll come a day when you'll be pleading with me for mercy!"

"Calm down, Ellis. She's not worth your anger."

Laney strolled over, affectionately linking her arm with Ellis. After a few steps past the reception desk, she came to a stop, eagerly gazing at me.

Unwilling to pay attention to them, I made my way to the reception desk, prepared to provide my name for entry.

However, before I could utter a word, the receptionist flashed me a smile and asked, "Could you please show me your invitation?"

I didn't have an invitation.

It made me realize that I was in such a hurry that I forgot the most important thing.